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what is the difference between introspection and self-absorption?

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serious question

sparked by seeing Cat Stevens' music described as "introspective" and immediately thinking that from another angle it could be dismissed as prototypical 70s self-absorption

― the Whiney G. Weingarten Memorial 77 Clique (Shakey Mo Collier), Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:11 (fifteen years ago)

I'm glad you brought this question to ILX.

― http://tinyurl.com/koalalala (Pleasant Plains), Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:12 (fifteen years ago)

The difference between looking and absorbing?

― Dis-moi ce que tu manges, je te dirai ce que tu es. (Michael White), Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:13 (fifteen years ago)

this question reminds me of a joke

whats the difference between a prostitute and a whore?

a prostitute is a person who has sex for money, and your mother is a whore.

― O_o-O_0-o_O (jjjusten), Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:14 (fifteen years ago)

Introspective:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YyackLxSzQM/SGcj3anRZ7I/AAAAAAAABHc/xncQ5MRMoQs/s400/Pet_Shop_Boys_-_Introspective_HQ_-_Front.jpg

vs

self-absorbed:

http://images.uulyrics.com/cover/t/the-smiths/album-meat-is-murder.jpg

― otherwise, and twat (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:14 (fifteen years ago)

hahahahahaha jjj

― Baron Strange of Knockin (DJP), Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:14 (fifteen years ago)

lol

― the Whiney G. Weingarten Memorial 77 Clique (Shakey Mo Collier), Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:17 (fifteen years ago)

self-absorption is introspection that impairs one's ability to relate to anyone and anything outside one's own head

but also: a person is generally his or her own worst judge of when he/she is impaired

― Unfrozen Caveman Board-Lawyer (WmC), Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:20 (fifteen years ago)

I am thoughtfully introspective, the rest of the world is egomaniacally self-absorbed.

― Ned Raggett, Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:22 (fifteen years ago)

self-absorption is introspection that impairs one's ability to relate to anyone and anything outside one's own head

so it's just a question of degree

― the Whiney G. Weingarten Memorial 77 Clique (Shakey Mo Collier), Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:22 (fifteen years ago)

yeah, imo

― Unfrozen Caveman Board-Lawyer (WmC), Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:23 (fifteen years ago)

Self-absorbed people aren't necessarily introspective, I've found. Promoting and worrying about one's self are such grueling tasks that these people often lack the time for introspection.

― otherwise, and twat (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:24 (fifteen years ago)

I'm not sure self-absorption is the best term for that state though, Alfred.

― Unfrozen Caveman Board-Lawyer (WmC), Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:26 (fifteen years ago)

in my mind (heh), introspection can encompass one thinking about how they impact others, how their thoughts and actions harm or help people, etc... whereas with self-absorption you're so far up your own ass other people only factor in for what they can do for you.

― hope this helps (Granny Dainger), Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:27 (fifteen years ago)

I'm not sure self-absorption is the best term for that state though, Alfred.

"Assholism" works fine too.

― otherwise, and twat (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:30 (fifteen years ago)

Was going to say self-aggrandizement, but yeah.

― Unfrozen Caveman Board-Lawyer (WmC), Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:32 (fifteen years ago)

yeah "solipsism" v. "introspection" is prob a better one

― The Brainwasher² = (The Brainwasher) X (The Brainwasher), Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:32 (fifteen years ago)

This is a simple question, and well-answered already.

Introspection is an act of looking for something. Self-absorption is deciding you have already found it.

― Bull fighting, Paris, hunting, suicide (kenan), Thursday, 11 November 2010 23:23 (fifteen years ago)


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